Hundreds of balloons lift off at Balloon Fiesta farewell ascension

ALBUQUERQUE -- A calm breeze and slightly warmer temperatures created the perfect day for watching the Balloon Fiesta Farewell Mass Ascension on Sunday morning.

To the delight of Balloon Fiesta enthusiasts of all ages, hundreds of balloons, including the special shapes, filled the skies for the final event.

Unpredictable wind patterns grounded most balloons on Saturday morning, and the pilots who braved the weather said they experienced close calls with power lines and difficult landings. But Balloon Fiesta organizers and participants said Sunday was the perfect ending to the nine-day festival, which featured more than 500 balloons, a big-time music star for the first "Music Fiesta" and hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world.

"Seeing all the people out here and seeing all the smiles on their faces with the balloons, the culture, the atmosphere and everything... It's second to none," said Scott Appleman, pilot of the Dos Equis balloon. "It's a great family event and something that you don't get tired of."